Lung cancer patients given X-ray all-clear by mistake

Dozens of patients given the all-clear for lung cancer after having chest X-rays actually had the disease, a study has found.

Patients who had the X-rays and tested negative should revisit their doctor if their symptoms persist.

A study in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) found that almost a quarter of patients given negative chest X-rays in the year before diagnosis actually had the disease.

Researchers looked at the records of 247 lung cancer patients diagnosed in Devon between January 1998 and September 2002.

Of the 164 given an X-ray in the year before diagnosis, 38 of these were given the all-clear on cancer, recorded as negative X-rays.

Negative X-rays were less common in the three months leading up to diagnosis.

Symptoms of lung cancer can include weight loss, tiredness, chest pain or a persistent cough.

Around 38,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with the disease every year.

Dr William Hamilton, a senior research fellow at the University of Bristol who took part in the study, said: "Negative chest X-rays in primary care are usually true negatives, and the patient does not have lung cancer.

"Nonetheless, we were surprised by the high proportion of negatives in cancer patients.

"GPs will want to consider either repeat X-rays, perhaps with a lateral, or referral, if they still suspect cancer. "

The authors said the findings may not reduce death rates but could mean less extensive surgery was needed.